Download (Word Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes, And Combining Forms) Flashcard

Choose a format below:

TEXT Format (.txt) MS-Excel Format (.xls)

Select delimiter » Comma Semicolon Tab New Line Custom

Preview »

Side A ------ Side B
a-, an-  ------ absence or lack
eg. acardia: lack of a heart
eg. anaerobic: in the absence of oxygen
ab- ------ departing from/away from
eg. abnormal: departing from normal
acou- ------ hearing
eg. acoustics: the science of sound
ac-, acro- ------ extreme or extremity; peak
eg. acrodermatitis: inflammation of the skin of the extremities
ad- ------ to or toward
eg. adorbital: toward the orbit
aden-, adeno- ------ gland
eg. adeniform: resembling a gland in shape
adren- ------ toward the kidney
eg. adrenal gland: adjacent to the kidney
aero- ------ air
eg. aerobic respiration: oxygen-requiring metabolism
af- ------ toward
eg. afferent neurons: which carry impulses to central nervous system
agon- ------ contest
eg. agonistic and antagonistic muscles: oppose each other
alb- ------ white
eg. corpus albicans of the ovary: a white scar tissue
aliment- ------ nourish
eg. alimentary canal, or digestive track
allel- ------ of one another
eg. alleles: alternative expression of a gene
amphi- ------ on both sides; of both kinds
eg. amphibian: an organism capable of living in water and on land
ana- ------ apart, up, again
eg. anaphase of mitosis: when the chromosomes separate
anastomos- ------ come together
eg. arteriovenous anastomosis: a connection between an artery and a vein
aneurysm ------ a widening
eg. aortic aneurysm: a weak spot that causes enlargement of the blood vessel
angi- ------ vessel
eg. angiitis: inflammation of a lymph vessel or blood vessel 
angin- ------ choked
eg. angina pectoris: a choked feeling in the chest due to dysfunction of the heart
ant-, anti- ------ opposed to; preventing; or inhibiting
eg. anticoagulant: a substance that prevents blood coagulation.
ante- ------ precending; before
eg. antecubital: in front of the elbow
aort- ------ great artery
eg. aorta
ap-, api- ------ tip; extremity
eg. apex of the heart
append- ------ hang to
eg. appendicular skeleton
aqua-, aque- ------ water
eg. aqueous solutions
arbor- ------ tree
eg. arbor vitae of the cerebellum: the treelike pattern of white matter
areola- ------ open space
eg. areolar connective tissue: a loose connective tissue
arrect- ------ upright
eg. arrector pili muscles of the skin: which make the hairs stand erect
arthr-, arthro- ------ joint
eg. arthropathy: any joint disease
artic- ------ joint
eg. articular surfaces of bones: the points of connection
atri- ------ vestibule
eg. atria: upper chambers of the heart
auscult- ------ listen
eg. auscultatory method for measuring blood pressure
aut-, auto- ------ self
eg. autogenous: self-generated
ax-, axi-, axo- ------ axis, axle
eg. axial skeleton: asix of vertebral column
azyg- ------ unpaired
eg. azygous vein: an unpair vessel
baro- ------ pressure
eg. baroreceptors for monotoring blood pressure
basal ------ base
eg. basal lamina of epithelial basement membrane
bi- ------ two
eg. bicuspid: having two cusps
bili- ------ bile
eg. bilirubin: a bile pigment
bio- ------ life
eg. biology: the study of life and living organisms
blast- ------ bud or germ
eg. blastocyte: undifferentiated embryonic cell
brachi- ------ arm
eg. brachial plexus of peripheral nervous system supplies the arm
brady- ------ slow
eg. bradycardia: abnormaly slow heart rate
brev- ------ short
eg. peroneus brevis: a short leg muscle
broncho- ------ bronchus
eg. brochospasm: spasmodic contraction of bronchial muscle
bucco- ------ cheek
eg. buccolabial: pertaining to the cheek and lip
calor- ------ heat
eg. calories: a measure of energy
capill- ------ hair
eg. blood and lymph capillaries
caput- ------ head
eg. decapitate: remove the head
carcin- ------ cancer
eg. carcinogen: a cancer-causing agent
cardi-, cardio- ------ heart
eg. cardiotoxic: harmful to the heart
carneo- ------ flesh
eg. traveculae carneae: ridges of muscle in the ventricles of the heart
carot- ------ (1) carrot; (2) stupor
(1) eg. carotene: an orange pigment
(2) eg. carotid arteries in the neck: blockage causes fainting
cata- ------ down
eg. carabolism: chemical breakdown
caud- ------ tail
eg. caudal (directional term)
cec- ------ blind
eg. cecum of large instestine: a blind-ended pouch
cele- ------ abdominal
eg. celiac artery: in the abdomen
cephal- ------ head
eg. cephalometer: an instrument for measuring the head
cerebro- ------ brain, especially the cerebrum
eg. cerebrospinal: pertaining to the brain and spinal cord
cervic-, cervix ------ neck
eg. cervix of the uterus
chiasm- ------ crossing
eg. optic chiasma: where optic nerves cross
chole- ------ bile
eg. cholesterol; cholecystokinin: a bile-secreting hormone
chondr- ------ cartilage
eg. chondrogenic: giving rise to cartilage
chrom- ------ colored
eg. chromosome: so named because they stain darkly
cili- ------ small hair
eg. ciliated epithelium
circum- ------ around
eg. circumnuclear: around the nucleus
clavic- ------ key
eg. clavicle: a "skeleton key"
co-, con- ------ together
eg. concentric; common center: together in the center
coccy- ------ cuckoo
eg. coccyx: which is beak-shaped
cochlea ------ snail shell
eg. the cochlea of the inner ear: which is coiled like a snail shell
coel- ------ hollow
eg. coelom: the ventral body cavity
commis- ------ united
eg. gray commissure of the spinal cord connects the two columns of gray matter
concha ------ shell
eg. nasal conchae: coiled shelves of bone in the nasal cavity
corn-, cornu- ------ horn
eg. stratum corneum: outer layer of the skin composed of (horny) cells
corona ------ crown
eg. coronal suture of the skull
corp- ------ body
eg. corpse; corpus luteum: hormone-secreting body in the ovary
cort- ------ bark
eg. cortex: the outer layer of the brain, kidney, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes
cost- ------ rib
eg. intercostal: between the ribs
crani- ------ skull
eg. craniotomy: a skull operation
crypt- ------ hidden
eg. cryptomenorrhea: a condition in which menstrual symptoms are experienced but no external loss of blood occurs
cusp- ------ pointed
eg. bicuspid, tricuspid valves of the heart
cutic- ------ skin
eg. cuticle of the nail
cyan- ------ blue
eg. cyanosis: blue color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
cyst- ------ sac, bladder
eg. cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder
cyt- ------ cell
eg. cytology: the study of cells
de- ------ undoing, reversal, loss, removal
eg. deactivation: becoming inactive
decid- ------ falling off
eg. deciduous (milk) teeth
delta ------ triangular
eg. deltoid muscle: roughly triangular in shape
den-, dent- ------ tooth
eg. dentin of the tooth
dendr- ------ tree, branch
eg. dendrites, telodendria: both branches of a neuron
derm- ------ skin
eg. dermis: deep layer of the skin
desm- ------ bond
eg. desmosome: which binds adjacent epithelial cells
di- ------ twice, double
eg. dimorphism: having two forms
dia- ------ through, between
eg. diaphragm: the wall through or between two areas
dialys- ------ separate, break apart
eg. kidney dialysis: in which waste products are removed from the blood
diastol- ------ stand apart
eg. cardiac diastole: between successive contractions of the heart
diure- ------ urinate
eg. diuretic: a drug that increases urine output
dors- ------ the back
eg. dorsal; dorsum; dorsiflexion
duc-, duct ------ lead, draw
eg. ductus deferens: which carries sperm from the epididymis into the urethra during ejaculation
dura ------ hard
eg. dura mater: tough outer meninx
dys- ------ difficult, faulty, painful
eg. dyspepsia: disturbed digestion
ec-, ex-, ecto- ------ out, outside, away from
eg. excrete: to remove materials from the body
ectop- ------ displaced
eg. ectopic pregnancy; ectopic focus for initiation of heart contraction
edem- ------ swelling
eg. edema: accumulation of water in body tissues
ef- ------ away
eg. efferent nerve fibers: which carry impulses away from the central nervous system
ejac- ------ to shoot forth
eg. ejaculation of semen
embol- ------ wedge
eg. embolus: an obstructive object traveling in the bloodstream
en-, em- ------ in, inside
eg. encysted: enclosed in a cyst or capsule
enceph- ------ brain
eg. encephalitis: inflammation of the brain
endo- ------ within, inner
eg. endocytosis: taking particles into the cell
entero- ------ intestine
eg. enterologist: one who specializes in the study of intestinal disorders
epi- ------ over, above
eg. epidermis: outer layer of skin
erythr- ------ red
eg. erythema: redness of the skin; erythrocyte: red blood cell
eso- ------ within
eg. esophagus
eu- ------ well
eg. euesthesia: a normal state of senses
excret- ------ separate
eg. excretory system
exo- ------ outside, outer layer
eg. exophthalmos: an abnormal protrusion of the eye from the orbit
extra- ------ outside, beyond
eg. extracellular: outside the body cells of an organism
extrins- ------ from the outside
eg. extrinsic regulation of the heart
fasci-, fascia- ------ bundle, band
eg. superficial and deep fascia
fenestr- ------ window
eg. fenestrated capillaries
ferr- ------ iron
eg. transferrin; ferritin: both iron-storage proteins
flagell- ------ whip
eg. flagellum: the tail of a sperm cell
flat- ------ blow, blown
eg. flatulence
folli- ------ bag, bellows
eg. hair follicle
fontan- ------ fountain
eg. fontanels of the fetal skull
foram- ------ opening
eg. foramen magnum of the skull
foss- ------ ditch
eg. fossa ovalis of the heart; mandibular fossa of the skull
gam-, gamet- ------ married, spouse
eg. gametes: the sex cells
gangli- ------ swelling, or knot
dorsal root ganglia of the spinal nerves
gastr- ------ stomach
eg. gastrin: a hormone that influences gastric acid secretion
gene ------ beginning, origin
eg. genetics
germin- ------ grow
eg. germinal epithelium of the gonads
gero-, geront- ------ old man
eg gerontology: the study of aging
gest- ------ carried
eg. gestation: the period from conception to birth
glauc- ------ gray
eg. glaucoma: which causes gradual blindness
glom- ------ ball
eg. glomeruli: clusters of capillaries in the kidneys
glosso- ------ tongue
eg. glossophaty: any disease of the tongue
gluco-, glyco- ------ gluconeogenesis: the production of glucose from noncarbohydrate molecules
glute- ------ buttock
eg. gluteus maximus: largest muscle of the buttock
gnost- ------ knowing
eg. the gnostic sense: a sense of awareness of self
gompho- ------ nail
eg. gomphosis: the term applied to the joint between the tooth and jaw
gon-, gono- ------ seed, offspring
eg. gonads: the sex organs
gust- ------ taste
eg. gustatory sense: the sense of taste
hapt- ------ fasten, grasp
eg. hapten: a partial antigen
hema-, hemato-, hemo- ------ blood
eg. hematocyst: a cyst containing blood
hemi- ------ half
eg. hemiglossal: pertaining to one half of the tongue
hepat- ------ liver
eg. hepatitis: inflammation of the liver
hetero- ------ different or other
eg. heterosexuality: sexual desire for a person of the opposite sex
hiat- ------ gap
eg. the hiatus of the diaphragm: the opening through which the esophagus passes
hippo- ------ horse
eg. hippocampus of the brain: shaped like a seahorse
hirsut- ------ hairy
eg. hirsutism: excessive body hair
hist- ------ tissue
eg. histology: the study of tissues
holo- ------ whole
eg. holocrine glands: whose secretions are whole cells
hom-, homo- ------ same
eg. homeoplasia: formation of tissue similar to normal tissue; homocentric: having the same center
hormon- ------ to excite
eg. hormones
humor- ------ a fluid
eg. humoral immunity: which involves antibodies circulating in the blood
hyal- ------ clear
eg. hyaline cartilage: which has no visible fibers
hydr-, hydro- ------ water
eg. dehydration: loss of body water
hyper- ------ excess
eg. hypertension: excessive tension
hypno- ------ sleep
eg. hypnosis: a sleep-like state
hypo- ------ below, deficient
eg. hypodermic: beneath the skin; hypokalemia: deficiency of potassium
hyster-, hystero- ------ uterus or womb
eg. hysterectoctomy: removal of the uterus: hysterodynia: pain in the womb
ile- ------ intestine
eg. ileum: the last portion of the small intestine
im- ------ not
eg. impermiable: not permitting passage, not permeable
inter- ------ between
eg. intercellular: between the cells
intercal- ------ insert
eg. intercalated discs: the end membranes between adjacent cardiac muscle cells
intra- ------ within, inside
eg. intracellular: inside the cell
iso- ------ equal, same
eg. isothermal: equal or same temperature
jugul- ------ throat
jugular veins: prominent vessels in the neck
juxta- ------ near, close to
eg. juxtaglomerular apparatus: a cell cluster next to a glomerulus in the kidneys
karyo- ------ kernel, nucleus
eg. kayrotype: the asssemblage of the nuclear chromosomes
kera- ------ horn
eg. keratin: the water-repellent protein in the skin
kilo- ------ thousand
eg. kilocalories: equal to 1000 calories
kin-, kines- ------ move
eg. kinetic energy: the energy of motion
labi-, labri- ------ lip
eg. labial frenulum: the membrane which joins the lip to the bum
lact- ------ milk
eg. lactose: milk sugar
lacun- ------ space, cavity, lake
eg. lacunae: the spaces occupied by cells of cartilage and bone tissue
lamell- ------ small plate
eg. concentric lamellae: rings of bone matrix in compact bone
lamina ------ layer, sheet 
eg. basal lamina: part of the epithelial basement membrane
lat- ------ wide
latissimus dorsi: a broad muscle of the back
laten- ------ hidden
eg. latent period of muscle twitch
later- ------ side
eg. lateral (direction term)
leuko- ------ white
eg. leukocyte: white blood cell
leva- ------ raise, elevate
eg. levator labii superioris: muscle that elevates upper lip
lingua- ------ tongue
eg. lingual tonsil: adjacent to the tongue
lip-, lipo- ------ fat, lipid
eg. lipophate: a cell that has taken up fat in its cytoplasm
lith- ------ stone
eg. cholelithiasis: gall stones
luci- ------ clear
eg. stratum lucidum: clear layer of the epidermis
lumen ------ light
eg. lumen: center of a hollow structure
lut- ------ yellow
eg. corpus luteum: a yellow, hormone secreting structure in the ovary
lymph ------ water
eg. lymphatic circulation: return of clear fluid to the bloodstream
macro- ------ large
eg. macromolecule: large molecule
macula ------ spot
eg. macule lutea: yellow spot on the retina
magn- ------ large
eg. foramen magnum: largest opening of the skull
mal- ------ bad, abnormal
eg. malfuntion: abnormal functioning of an organ
mamm- ------ breast
eg. mammary glands: breast
mast- ------ breast
eg. mastectomy: removal of mammary gland
mater ------ mother
eg. dura mater, pia mater: membranes that envelop the brain
meat- ------ passage
eg. external acoustic meatus: the ear canal
medi- ------ middle
eg. medial (direction term)
medull- ------ marrow
eg. medulla: the middle portion of the kidney, adrenal gland, and lymph node
mega- ------ large
eg. megakaryocyte: large precursor cell of platelets
meio- ------ less
eg. meosis: nuclear division that halves the chromosome number
melan- ------ black
eg. melanocytes: which secrete the black pigment melanin
men-, menstru- ------ month
eg. menses: the cyclic menstrual flow
meningo- ------ membrane
eg. meningitus: inflammation of the membranes of the brain
mer-, mero- ------ a part
eg. merocrine glands: the secretions of which do not include the cell
meso- ------ middle
eg. mesoderm: middle germ layer
meta- ------ beyond, between, transition
eg. metatarsus: the part of the foot between the tarsus and the phalanges
metro- ------ uterus
eg. endometrium: the lining of the uterus
micro- ------ small
eg. microscope: an instrument used to make small objects appear larger
mictur- ------ urinate
eg. micturition: the act of voiding the bladder
mito- ------ thread, filament
eg. mitochondria: small, filament-like structure located in cells
mnem- ------ memory
eg. amnesia
mono- ------ single
eg. monospasm: spasm of a single limb
morpho- ------ form
eg. morphology: the study of form and structure or organisms
multi- ------ many
eg. multinuclear: having serveral nuclei
mur- ------ wall
eg. intramular ganglion: a nerve junction within an organ
muta- ------ change
eg. mutation: change in the base sequence of DNA
myelo- ------ spinal cord, marrow
eg. myeloblasts: cells of the bone marrow
myo- ------ muscle
eg. myocardium: heart muscle
nano- ------ dwarf
eg. nanometer: one-billionth of a meter
narco- ------ numbness
eg. narcotic: a drug producing stupor or numbed sensations
natri- ------ sodium
eg. atrial natriuretic peptic, a sodium-regulating hormone
necro- ------ death
eg. necrosis: tissue death
neo- ------ new
eg. neoplasm: an abnormal growth
nephro- ------ kidney
eg. nephritis: inflammation of the kidney
neuro- ------ nerve
eg. neurophysiology: the physiology of the nervous system
noci- ------ harmful
eg. nociceptors: receptors for pain
nom- ------ name
eg. innominate artery; innominate bone
noto- ------ back
eg. notochord: the embryonic structure that precedes the vertebral column
nucle- ------ pit, kernel, little nut
eg. nucleus
nutri- ------ feed, nourish
eg. nutrition
ob- ------ before, against
eg. obstruction: impeding or blocking up
oculo- ------ eye
eg. monocular: pertaining to one eye
odonto- ------ teeth
eg. orthodontist: one who specializes in proper positioning of the teeth in relation to each other
olfact- ------ smell
eg. olfactory nerves
oligo- ------ few
eg. oligodendrocytes: neurological cells with few branches
onco- ------ a mass
eg. oncology: the study of cancer
oo- ------ egg
eg. oocyte: precursor of female gamete
ophthalmo- ------ eye
eg. ophthalmology: the study of the eyes and related diseases
orb- ------ circular
eg. orbicularis oculi: muscle that encircles the eye
orchi- ------ testis
eg. cryptorchidism: failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum
org- ------ living
eg. organism
ortho- ------ straight, direct
eg. orthopedic: correction of deformities of the musculoskeletal system
osm- ------ smell
eg. anosmia: loss of sense of smell
osmo- ------ pushing
eg. osmosis
osteo- ------ bone
eg. osteodermia: bony formation in the skin
oto- ------ ear
eg. otoscope: a device for examining the ear
ov-, ovi- ------ egg
eg. ovum, oviduct
oxy- ------ oxygen
eg. oxygenation: the saturation of a substance with oxygen
pan- ------ all, universal
eg. panacea: a cure-all
panpill- ------ nipple
eg. dermal papillae: projections of the dermis into the epidermal area
para- ------ beside, near
eg. paranuclear: beside the nucleus
pect-, pectus ------ breast
eg. pectoralis major: a large chest muscle
pelv- ------ a basin
eg. pelvic girdle: which cradles the pelvic organs
peni- ------ a tail
eg. penis; penile urethra
penna- ------ feather
eg. unipennate; bipennate muscles: whose fascicles have a feathered appearance
pent- ------ five
eg. pentose: a 5-carbon sugar
pep-, peps-, pept- ------ digest
eg. pepsin: a digestive enzyme of the stomach; peptic ulcer
per-, permea- ------ through
eg. permeate; permeable
peri- ------ around
eg. perianal: situtated around the anus
phago- ------ eat
eg. phagocyte: a cells that engulft and digests particles or cells
pheno- ------ show, appear
eg. phenotype: the physical appearance of an individual
phleb- ------ vein
eg. phlebitis: inflammation of the veins
pia ------ tender
eg. pia mater: delicate inner membrane around the brain and spinal cord
pili ------ hair
eg. arrector pili muscles of the skin, whic make the hairs stand erect
pin-, pino- ------ drink
eg. pinocytosis: the engulfing of small particles by a cell
platy- ------ flat, broad
eg. platysma: broad, flat muscle of the neck
pleur- ------ side, rib
eg. pleural serosa: the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs
plex-, plexus ------ net, network
eg. brachial plexus: the network of nerves that supplies the arm
pneumo- ------ air, wind
eg. pneumothorax: air in the thoracic cavity
pod- ------ foot
eg. podiatry: the treament of foot disorders
poly- ------ multiple
eg. polymorphism: multiple forms
post- ------ after, behind
eg. posterior: places behind (a specific) part
pre-, pro- ------ before, ahead of
eg. prenatal: before birth
procto- ------ rectum, anus
eg. proctoscope: an instrument for examining the rectum
pron- ------ bent forward
eg. prone; pronate
propri- ------ one's own
eg. proprioception: awareness of body parts and movement
pseudo- ------ false
eg. pseudotumor: a false tumor
psycho- ------ mind, psyche
eg. psycogram: a chart of personality traits
ptos- ------ fall
eg. renal ptosis: a condition in which the kidneys drift below their normal position
pub- ------ of the pubis
eg. puberty
pulmo- ------ lung
eg. pulmonary artery: which brings blood to the lungs
pyo- ------ pus
eg. pyocyst: a cyst that contains pus
pyro- ------ fire
eg. pyrogen: a substance that induces fever
quad-, quadr- ------ four-sided
eg. quadratus lumborum: a muscle with a square shape
re- ------ back, again
eg. reinfect
rect- ------ straight
eg. rectus abdominis; rectum
ren- ------ kidney
eg. renal, renin: an enzyme secreted by the kidney
retro- ------ backward, behind
eg. retrogression: to move backward in development
rheum- ------ watery flow, change, or flux
eg. rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatic fever
rhin-, rhino- ------ nose
eg. rhinitis: inflammation of the nose
ruga- ------ fold, wrinkle
eg. rugae: the folds of the stomach, gallbladder, and urinary bladder
sagitt- ------ arrow
eg. sagittal (directional term)
salta- ------ leap
eg. saltatory conduction: the rapid conduction of impulses along myelinated neurons
sanguin- ------ blood
eg. consaguineous: indicative of a genetic relationship between individuals
sarco- ------ flesh
eg. sarcomere: unit of contraction in skeletal muscle
saphen- ------ visible, clear
eg. great saphenous vein: superficial vein of the thigh and leg
sclero- ------ hard
eg. sclerodermatitis: inflammantory thickening and hardering of the skin
seb- ------ grease
eg. sebum: the oil of the skin
semen ------ seed, sperm
eg. semen: the discharge of the male reproductive system
semi- ------ half
eg. semicircular: having hte form of a half a circle
sens- ------ feeling
eg. sensation; sensory
septi- ------ rotten
eg. sepsis, infection, antiseptic
septum ------ fence
eg. nasal septum
sero- ------ serum
eg. serological tests: which assess blood conditions
serrat- ------ saw
eg. serratus anterior: a muscle of the chest wall that has a jagged edge
sin-, sino- ------ a hollow
eg. sinuses of the skull
soma- ------ body
eg. somatic nervous system
somn- ------ sleep
eg. insomnia: inability to sleep
sphin- ------ squeeze
eg. sphincter
splanchn- ------ organ
eg. splanchnic nerve: autonomic supply to abdominal viscera
spondyl- ------ vertebra
eg. ankylosing spondylitis: rheumatoid arthritis affecting the spine
squam- ------ scale, flat
eg. squamous epithelium; squamous suture of the skull
steno- ------ narrow
eg. stenocoriasis: narrowing of the pupil
strat- ------ layer
eg. strata of the epidermis: stratified epithelium
stria- ------ furrow, streak
eg. striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue
stroma ------ spread out
eg. stroma: the connective tissue framework of some organs
sub- ------ beneath, under
eg. sublingual: beneath the tongue
sucr- ------ sweet
eg. sucrose: table sugar
sudor- ------ sweat
eg. sudoriferous glands: the sweat glands
super- ------ above, upon
eg. superior: quality or state of being above others or a part.
supra- ------ above, upon
eg. supracondylar: above a condyle
sym-, syn- ------ together, with 
eg. synapse: the region of communication between two neurons
synerg- ------ work together
eg. synergism
systol- ------ contraction
eg. systole: contraction of the heart
tachy- ------ rapid
eg. tachycardia, abnormally rapid heartbeat
tact- ------ touch
eg. tactile sense
telo- ------ the end
eg. telophase: the end of mitosis
templ-, tempo- ------ time
eg. temporal summation of nerve impulses
tens- ------ stretched
eg. muscle tension
terti- ------ third
eg. fibularis tertius: one of three fibularis muscles
tetan- ------ rigid, tense
eg. tetanus of muscle
therm- ------ heat
eg. thermometer: an instrument used to measure heat
thromb- ------ clot
eg. thrombocyte; thrombus
thyro- ------ a shield
eg. thyroid gland
tissu- ------ woven
eg. tissue
tono- ------ tension
eg. tonicity; hypertonic
tox- ------ poison
eg. toxicology: the study of poisons
trab- ------ beam, timber
eg. trabeculae: spicules of bone in spongy bone tissue
trans- ------ across, through
eg. transpleural: through the pleura
trapez- ------ table
eg. trapzius: the four-side muscle of the upper back
tri- ------ three
eg. trifurcation: division into three branches
trop- ------ turn, change
eg. tropic hormones: whose targets are endocrine glands
troph- ------ nourish
eg. trophoblast, from which devleops the fetal portion of the placenta
tuber- ------ swelling
eb. tuberosity: a bump on a bone
tunic- ------ covering
eg. tunica albuginea: the covering of the testis
tympan- ------ drum
eg. tympanic membrane: the eardrum
ultra- ------ beyond
eg. ultraviolet radiation: beyond the band of visible light
vacc- ------ cow
eg. vaccine
vagin- ------ a sheath
eg. vagina
vagus ------ wanderer
eg. the vagus nerve: which starts at the brain and travels into the abdominopelvic cavity
valen- ------ strength
eg. valence shells of atoms
venter, ventr- ------ abdomen, belly
eg. ventral (direction term); ventricle
vent- ------ the wind
eg. pulmonary ventilation
vert- ------ turn
eg. vertebral column
vestibul- ------ a porch
eg. vestibule: the anterior entryway to the mouth and the nose
vibr- ------ shake, quiver
eg. vibrassae: hairs of the nasal vestibule
villus ------ shaggy hair
eg. microvilli: which have the appearance of hair in light microscopy
viscero- ------ organ, viscera
eg. visceroinhibitory: inhibiting the movement of the viscera
viscos- ------ sticky
eg. viscosity: resistance to flow
vita- ------ life
eg. vitamin
vitre- ------ glass
eg. vitreous humor: the clear jelly of the eye
viv- ------ live
eg. in vivo
vulv- ------ a covering
eg. vulva: the female external genitalia
zyg- ------ a yoke, twin
eg. zygote
-able ------ able to do, capable of
eg. viable: ability to live or exist
-ac ------ referring to
eg. cardiac: referring to the heart
-algia ------ pain in a certain part
eg. neuralgia: pain along the course of a nerve
-apsi ------ juncture
eg. synapse: where two neurons communicate
-ary ------ associated with, relating to
eg. coronary: associated with the heart
-asthen ------ weakness
eg. myasthenia gravis: a disease involving paralysis
-bryo ------ swollen
eg. embryo
-cide ------ destroy or kill
eg. germicide: an agent that kills germs
-cipit ------ head
eg. occipital
-clast ------ break
eg. osteoclast: a cell that dissolves bone matrix
-crine ------ separate
eg. endorine organs: which secrete hormones into the blood
-dips ------ thirst, dry
eg. polydispsia: excessive thirst associated with diabetes
-ectomy ------ cutting out, surgical removal
eg. appendectomy: cutting out of the appendix
-ell, -elle ------ small
eg. organelle
-emia ------ condition of the blood
eg. anemia: deficiency of red blood cells
-esthesi ------ sensation
eg. anesthesia: lack of sensation
-ferent ------ carry
eg. efferent nerves: nerves carrying impulses away from the CNS
-form, -forma ------ shape
eg. cribriform plate of the ethmoid plate
-fuge ------ driving out
eg. vermifuge: a substance that expels worms of the intestine
-gen ------ an agent that initiates
eg. pathogen: any agent that produces disease
-glea, -glia ------ glue
eg. neuroglia: the connective tissue of the nervous system
-gram ------ data that are systematically reocrded, a record
eg. electrocardiogram: a recording showing action of the heart
-graph ------ an instrument used for recording data or writing
eg. electrocardiograph: an instrument used to make an electrocardiogram
-ia ------ condition
eg. insomnia: condition of not being able to sleep
-iatrics ------ medical specialty
eg. geriatrics: the branch of medicine dealing with disease associated with old age
-ism ------ condition
eg. hyperthyroidism
-itis ------ inflammation
eg. gastritis: inflammation of the stomach
-lemma ------ sheath, husk
eg. sacolemma: the plasma membran of a muscle cell
-logy ------ the study of
eg. pathology: the study of changes in structure and function brought on by disease
-lysis ------ loosing or breaking down
eg. hydrolysis: chemical decomposition of a compound into other compounds as a result of taking up water
-malacia ------ soft
eg. osteomalacia: a process leading to bone softening
-mania ------ obsession, compulsion
eg. erotomania: exaggeration of the sexual passions
-nata ------ birth
eg. prenatal development
-nom ------ govern
eg. autonomic nervous system
-odyn ------ pain
eg. coccygodynia: pain in the regioin of the coccyx
-oid ------ like, resembling
eg. cuboid: shaped as a cube
-oma ------ tumor
eg. lymphoma: a tumor of the lymphatic tissue
-opia ------ defect of the eye
eg. myopia: nearsightedness
-ory ------ referring to, of
eg. auditory: referring to hearing
-pathy ------ disease
eg. osteophaty: any disease of the bone
-phasia ------ speech
eg. aphasia: lack of ability to speak
-phil,-philo ------ like, love
eg. hydrophilic: water-attracting molecules
-phobia ------ fear
eg. acrophobia: fear of heights
-phragm ------ partition
eg. diaphragm: which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities
-phylax ------ guard, preserve
eg. prophylaxix: to guard in advance, as in preventive treatment
-plas ------ grow
eg. neoplasia: an abnormal growth
-plasm ------ form, shape
eg. cytoplasm
-plasty ------ reconstruction of a part, plastic surgery
eg. rhinoplasty: reconstruction of the nose through surgery
-plegia ------ paralysis
eg. paraplegia: paralysis of the lower half of the body or lower limbs
-rrhagia ------ abnormal or excessive discharge
eg. metrorraghia: uterine hemorrhage
-rrhea ------ flow or discharge
eg. diarrhea: abnormal emptying of the bowels
-scope ------ instrument used for examination
eg. stethoscope: instrument used to listen to sounds of parts of the body
-some ------ body
eg. chromosome
-sorb ------ suck in
eg. absorb
-stalsis ------ arrest, fixation
eg. hemostatis: arrest of bleeding
-stitia ------ come to stand
eg. interstitial fluid: between the cells
-stomy ------ establishment of an artificial opening
eg. enterostomy: the formation of an artificial opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall
-tegm ------ cover
eg. integument
-tomy ------ to cut
eg. appendectomy: surgical removal of appendix
-trud ------ thrust
eg. protrude: detrusor muscle
-ty ------ condition of, state
eg. immunity: condition of being resistant to infection or disease
-uria ------ urine
eg. polyuria: passage of an excessive amount of urine
-zyme ------ ferment
eg. enzyme

Side A ------ Side B
a-, an-  ------ absence or lack
eg. acardia: lack of a heart
eg. anaerobic: in the absence of oxygen
ab- ------ departing from/away from
eg. abnormal: departing from normal
acou- ------ hearing
eg. acoustics: the science of sound
ac-, acro- ------ extreme or extremity; peak
eg. acrodermatitis: inflammation of the skin of the extremities
ad- ------ to or toward
eg. adorbital: toward the orbit
aden-, adeno- ------ gland
eg. adeniform: resembling a gland in shape
adren- ------ toward the kidney
eg. adrenal gland: adjacent to the kidney
aero- ------ air
eg. aerobic respiration: oxygen-requiring metabolism
af- ------ toward
eg. afferent neurons: which carry impulses to central nervous system
agon- ------ contest
eg. agonistic and antagonistic muscles: oppose each other
alb- ------ white
eg. corpus albicans of the ovary: a white scar tissue
aliment- ------ nourish
eg. alimentary canal, or digestive track
allel- ------ of one another
eg. alleles: alternative expression of a gene
amphi- ------ on both sides; of both kinds
eg. amphibian: an organism capable of living in water and on land
ana- ------ apart, up, again
eg. anaphase of mitosis: when the chromosomes separate
anastomos- ------ come together
eg. arteriovenous anastomosis: a connection between an artery and a vein
aneurysm ------ a widening
eg. aortic aneurysm: a weak spot that causes enlargement of the blood vessel
angi- ------ vessel
eg. angiitis: inflammation of a lymph vessel or blood vessel 
angin- ------ choked
eg. angina pectoris: a choked feeling in the chest due to dysfunction of the heart
ant-, anti- ------ opposed to; preventing; or inhibiting
eg. anticoagulant: a substance that prevents blood coagulation.
ante- ------ precending; before
eg. antecubital: in front of the elbow
aort- ------ great artery
eg. aorta
ap-, api- ------ tip; extremity
eg. apex of the heart
append- ------ hang to
eg. appendicular skeleton
aqua-, aque- ------ water
eg. aqueous solutions
arbor- ------ tree
eg. arbor vitae of the cerebellum: the treelike pattern of white matter
areola- ------ open space
eg. areolar connective tissue: a loose connective tissue
arrect- ------ upright
eg. arrector pili muscles of the skin: which make the hairs stand erect
arthr-, arthro- ------ joint
eg. arthropathy: any joint disease
artic- ------ joint
eg. articular surfaces of bones: the points of connection
atri- ------ vestibule
eg. atria: upper chambers of the heart
auscult- ------ listen
eg. auscultatory method for measuring blood pressure
aut-, auto- ------ self
eg. autogenous: self-generated
ax-, axi-, axo- ------ axis, axle
eg. axial skeleton: asix of vertebral column
azyg- ------ unpaired
eg. azygous vein: an unpair vessel
baro- ------ pressure
eg. baroreceptors for monotoring blood pressure
basal ------ base
eg. basal lamina of epithelial basement membrane
bi- ------ two
eg. bicuspid: having two cusps
bili- ------ bile
eg. bilirubin: a bile pigment
bio- ------ life
eg. biology: the study of life and living organisms
blast- ------ bud or germ
eg. blastocyte: undifferentiated embryonic cell
brachi- ------ arm
eg. brachial plexus of peripheral nervous system supplies the arm
brady- ------ slow
eg. bradycardia: abnormaly slow heart rate
brev- ------ short
eg. peroneus brevis: a short leg muscle
broncho- ------ bronchus
eg. brochospasm: spasmodic contraction of bronchial muscle
bucco- ------ cheek
eg. buccolabial: pertaining to the cheek and lip
calor- ------ heat
eg. calories: a measure of energy
capill- ------ hair
eg. blood and lymph capillaries
caput- ------ head
eg. decapitate: remove the head
carcin- ------ cancer
eg. carcinogen: a cancer-causing agent
cardi-, cardio- ------ heart
eg. cardiotoxic: harmful to the heart
carneo- ------ flesh
eg. traveculae carneae: ridges of muscle in the ventricles of the heart
carot- ------ (1) carrot; (2) stupor
(1) eg. carotene: an orange pigment
(2) eg. carotid arteries in the neck: blockage causes fainting
cata- ------ down
eg. carabolism: chemical breakdown
caud- ------ tail
eg. caudal (directional term)
cec- ------ blind
eg. cecum of large instestine: a blind-ended pouch
cele- ------ abdominal
eg. celiac artery: in the abdomen
cephal- ------ head
eg. cephalometer: an instrument for measuring the head
cerebro- ------ brain, especially the cerebrum
eg. cerebrospinal: pertaining to the brain and spinal cord
cervic-, cervix ------ neck
eg. cervix of the uterus
chiasm- ------ crossing
eg. optic chiasma: where optic nerves cross
chole- ------ bile
eg. cholesterol; cholecystokinin: a bile-secreting hormone
chondr- ------ cartilage
eg. chondrogenic: giving rise to cartilage
chrom- ------ colored
eg. chromosome: so named because they stain darkly
cili- ------ small hair
eg. ciliated epithelium
circum- ------ around
eg. circumnuclear: around the nucleus
clavic- ------ key
eg. clavicle: a "skeleton key"
co-, con- ------ together
eg. concentric; common center: together in the center
coccy- ------ cuckoo
eg. coccyx: which is beak-shaped
cochlea ------ snail shell
eg. the cochlea of the inner ear: which is coiled like a snail shell
coel- ------ hollow
eg. coelom: the ventral body cavity
commis- ------ united
eg. gray commissure of the spinal cord connects the two columns of gray matter
concha ------ shell
eg. nasal conchae: coiled shelves of bone in the nasal cavity
corn-, cornu- ------ horn
eg. stratum corneum: outer layer of the skin composed of (horny) cells
corona ------ crown
eg. coronal suture of the skull
corp- ------ body
eg. corpse; corpus luteum: hormone-secreting body in the ovary
cort- ------ bark
eg. cortex: the outer layer of the brain, kidney, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes
cost- ------ rib
eg. intercostal: between the ribs
crani- ------ skull
eg. craniotomy: a skull operation
crypt- ------ hidden
eg. cryptomenorrhea: a condition in which menstrual symptoms are experienced but no external loss of blood occurs
cusp- ------ pointed
eg. bicuspid, tricuspid valves of the heart
cutic- ------ skin
eg. cuticle of the nail
cyan- ------ blue
eg. cyanosis: blue color of the skin due to lack of oxygen
cyst- ------ sac, bladder
eg. cystitis: inflammation of the urinary bladder
cyt- ------ cell
eg. cytology: the study of cells
de- ------ undoing, reversal, loss, removal
eg. deactivation: becoming inactive
decid- ------ falling off
eg. deciduous (milk) teeth
delta ------ triangular
eg. deltoid muscle: roughly triangular in shape
den-, dent- ------ tooth
eg. dentin of the tooth
dendr- ------ tree, branch
eg. dendrites, telodendria: both branches of a neuron
derm- ------ skin
eg. dermis: deep layer of the skin
desm- ------ bond
eg. desmosome: which binds adjacent epithelial cells
di- ------ twice, double
eg. dimorphism: having two forms
dia- ------ through, between
eg. diaphragm: the wall through or between two areas
dialys- ------ separate, break apart
eg. kidney dialysis: in which waste products are removed from the blood
diastol- ------ stand apart
eg. cardiac diastole: between successive contractions of the heart
diure- ------ urinate
eg. diuretic: a drug that increases urine output
dors- ------ the back
eg. dorsal; dorsum; dorsiflexion
duc-, duct ------ lead, draw
eg. ductus deferens: which carries sperm from the epididymis into the urethra during ejaculation
dura ------ hard
eg. dura mater: tough outer meninx
dys- ------ difficult, faulty, painful
eg. dyspepsia: disturbed digestion
ec-, ex-, ecto- ------ out, outside, away from
eg. excrete: to remove materials from the body
ectop- ------ displaced
eg. ectopic pregnancy; ectopic focus for initiation of heart contraction
edem- ------ swelling
eg. edema: accumulation of water in body tissues
ef- ------ away
eg. efferent nerve fibers: which carry impulses away from the central nervous system
ejac- ------ to shoot forth
eg. ejaculation of semen
embol- ------ wedge
eg. embolus: an obstructive object traveling in the bloodstream
en-, em- ------ in, inside
eg. encysted: enclosed in a cyst or capsule
enceph- ------ brain
eg. encephalitis: inflammation of the brain
endo- ------ within, inner
eg. endocytosis: taking particles into the cell
entero- ------ intestine
eg. enterologist: one who specializes in the study of intestinal disorders
epi- ------ over, above
eg. epidermis: outer layer of skin
erythr- ------ red
eg. erythema: redness of the skin; erythrocyte: red blood cell
eso- ------ within
eg. esophagus
eu- ------ well
eg. euesthesia: a normal state of senses
excret- ------ separate
eg. excretory system
exo- ------ outside, outer layer
eg. exophthalmos: an abnormal protrusion of the eye from the orbit
extra- ------ outside, beyond
eg. extracellular: outside the body cells of an organism
extrins- ------ from the outside
eg. extrinsic regulation of the heart
fasci-, fascia- ------ bundle, band
eg. superficial and deep fascia
fenestr- ------ window
eg. fenestrated capillaries
ferr- ------ iron
eg. transferrin; ferritin: both iron-storage proteins
flagell- ------ whip
eg. flagellum: the tail of a sperm cell
flat- ------ blow, blown
eg. flatulence
folli- ------ bag, bellows
eg. hair follicle
fontan- ------ fountain
eg. fontanels of the fetal skull
foram- ------ opening
eg. foramen magnum of the skull
foss- ------ ditch
eg. fossa ovalis of the heart; mandibular fossa of the skull
gam-, gamet- ------ married, spouse
eg. gametes: the sex cells
gangli- ------ swelling, or knot
dorsal root ganglia of the spinal nerves
gastr- ------ stomach
eg. gastrin: a hormone that influences gastric acid secretion
gene ------ beginning, origin
eg. genetics
germin- ------ grow
eg. germinal epithelium of the gonads
gero-, geront- ------ old man
eg gerontology: the study of aging
gest- ------ carried
eg. gestation: the period from conception to birth
glauc- ------ gray
eg. glaucoma: which causes gradual blindness
glom- ------ ball
eg. glomeruli: clusters of capillaries in the kidneys
glosso- ------ tongue
eg. glossophaty: any disease of the tongue
gluco-, glyco- ------ gluconeogenesis: the production of glucose from noncarbohydrate molecules
glute- ------ buttock
eg. gluteus maximus: largest muscle of the buttock
gnost- ------ knowing
eg. the gnostic sense: a sense of awareness of self
gompho- ------ nail
eg. gomphosis: the term applied to the joint between the tooth and jaw
gon-, gono- ------ seed, offspring
eg. gonads: the sex organs
gust- ------ taste
eg. gustatory sense: the sense of taste
hapt- ------ fasten, grasp
eg. hapten: a partial antigen
hema-, hemato-, hemo- ------ blood
eg. hematocyst: a cyst containing blood
hemi- ------ half
eg. hemiglossal: pertaining to one half of the tongue
hepat- ------ liver
eg. hepatitis: inflammation of the liver
hetero- ------ different or other
eg. heterosexuality: sexual desire for a person of the opposite sex
hiat- ------ gap
eg. the hiatus of the diaphragm: the opening through which the esophagus passes
hippo- ------ horse
eg. hippocampus of the brain: shaped like a seahorse
hirsut- ------ hairy
eg. hirsutism: excessive body hair
hist- ------ tissue
eg. histology: the study of tissues
holo- ------ whole
eg. holocrine glands: whose secretions are whole cells
hom-, homo- ------ same
eg. homeoplasia: formation of tissue similar to normal tissue; homocentric: having the same center
hormon- ------ to excite
eg. hormones
humor- ------ a fluid
eg. humoral immunity: which involves antibodies circulating in the blood
hyal- ------ clear
eg. hyaline cartilage: which has no visible fibers
hydr-, hydro- ------ water
eg. dehydration: loss of body water
hyper- ------ excess
eg. hypertension: excessive tension
hypno- ------ sleep
eg. hypnosis: a sleep-like state
hypo- ------ below, deficient
eg. hypodermic: beneath the skin; hypokalemia: deficiency of potassium
hyster-, hystero- ------ uterus or womb
eg. hysterectoctomy: removal of the uterus: hysterodynia: pain in the womb
ile- ------ intestine
eg. ileum: the last portion of the small intestine
im- ------ not
eg. impermiable: not permitting passage, not permeable
inter- ------ between
eg. intercellular: between the cells
intercal- ------ insert
eg. intercalated discs: the end membranes between adjacent cardiac muscle cells
intra- ------ within, inside
eg. intracellular: inside the cell
iso- ------ equal, same
eg. isothermal: equal or same temperature
jugul- ------ throat
jugular veins: prominent vessels in the neck
juxta- ------ near, close to
eg. juxtaglomerular apparatus: a cell cluster next to a glomerulus in the kidneys
karyo- ------ kernel, nucleus
eg. kayrotype: the asssemblage of the nuclear chromosomes
kera- ------ horn
eg. keratin: the water-repellent protein in the skin
kilo- ------ thousand
eg. kilocalories: equal to 1000 calories
kin-, kines- ------ move
eg. kinetic energy: the energy of motion
labi-, labri- ------ lip
eg. labial frenulum: the membrane which joins the lip to the bum
lact- ------ milk
eg. lactose: milk sugar
lacun- ------ space, cavity, lake
eg. lacunae: the spaces occupied by cells of cartilage and bone tissue
lamell- ------ small plate
eg. concentric lamellae: rings of bone matrix in compact bone
lamina ------ layer, sheet 
eg. basal lamina: part of the epithelial basement membrane
lat- ------ wide
latissimus dorsi: a broad muscle of the back
laten- ------ hidden
eg. latent period of muscle twitch
later- ------ side
eg. lateral (direction term)
leuko- ------ white
eg. leukocyte: white blood cell
leva- ------ raise, elevate
eg. levator labii superioris: muscle that elevates upper lip
lingua- ------ tongue
eg. lingual tonsil: adjacent to the tongue
lip-, lipo- ------ fat, lipid
eg. lipophate: a cell that has taken up fat in its cytoplasm
lith- ------ stone
eg. cholelithiasis: gall stones
luci- ------ clear
eg. stratum lucidum: clear layer of the epidermis
lumen ------ light
eg. lumen: center of a hollow structure
lut- ------ yellow
eg. corpus luteum: a yellow, hormone secreting structure in the ovary
lymph ------ water
eg. lymphatic circulation: return of clear fluid to the bloodstream
macro- ------ large
eg. macromolecule: large molecule
macula ------ spot
eg. macule lutea: yellow spot on the retina
magn- ------ large
eg. foramen magnum: largest opening of the skull
mal- ------ bad, abnormal
eg. malfuntion: abnormal functioning of an organ
mamm- ------ breast
eg. mammary glands: breast
mast- ------ breast
eg. mastectomy: removal of mammary gland
mater ------ mother
eg. dura mater, pia mater: membranes that envelop the brain
meat- ------ passage
eg. external acoustic meatus: the ear canal
medi- ------ middle
eg. medial (direction term)
medull- ------ marrow
eg. medulla: the middle portion of the kidney, adrenal gland, and lymph node
mega- ------ large
eg. megakaryocyte: large precursor cell of platelets
meio- ------ less
eg. meosis: nuclear division that halves the chromosome number
melan- ------ black
eg. melanocytes: which secrete the black pigment melanin
men-, menstru- ------ month
eg. menses: the cyclic menstrual flow
meningo- ------ membrane
eg. meningitus: inflammation of the membranes of the brain
mer-, mero- ------ a part
eg. merocrine glands: the secretions of which do not include the cell
meso- ------ middle
eg. mesoderm: middle germ layer
meta- ------ beyond, between, transition
eg. metatarsus: the part of the foot between the tarsus and the phalanges
metro- ------ uterus
eg. endometrium: the lining of the uterus
micro- ------ small
eg. microscope: an instrument used to make small objects appear larger
mictur- ------ urinate
eg. micturition: the act of voiding the bladder
mito- ------ thread, filament
eg. mitochondria: small, filament-like structure located in cells
mnem- ------ memory
eg. amnesia
mono- ------ single
eg. monospasm: spasm of a single limb
morpho- ------ form
eg. morphology: the study of form and structure or organisms
multi- ------ many
eg. multinuclear: having serveral nuclei
mur- ------ wall
eg. intramular ganglion: a nerve junction within an organ
muta- ------ change
eg. mutation: change in the base sequence of DNA
myelo- ------ spinal cord, marrow
eg. myeloblasts: cells of the bone marrow
myo- ------ muscle
eg. myocardium: heart muscle
nano- ------ dwarf
eg. nanometer: one-billionth of a meter
narco- ------ numbness
eg. narcotic: a drug producing stupor or numbed sensations
natri- ------ sodium
eg. atrial natriuretic peptic, a sodium-regulating hormone
necro- ------ death
eg. necrosis: tissue death
neo- ------ new
eg. neoplasm: an abnormal growth
nephro- ------ kidney
eg. nephritis: inflammation of the kidney
neuro- ------ nerve
eg. neurophysiology: the physiology of the nervous system
noci- ------ harmful
eg. nociceptors: receptors for pain
nom- ------ name
eg. innominate artery; innominate bone
noto- ------ back
eg. notochord: the embryonic structure that precedes the vertebral column
nucle- ------ pit, kernel, little nut
eg. nucleus
nutri- ------ feed, nourish
eg. nutrition
ob- ------ before, against
eg. obstruction: impeding or blocking up
oculo- ------ eye
eg. monocular: pertaining to one eye
odonto- ------ teeth
eg. orthodontist: one who specializes in proper positioning of the teeth in relation to each other
olfact- ------ smell
eg. olfactory nerves
oligo- ------ few
eg. oligodendrocytes: neurological cells with few branches
onco- ------ a mass
eg. oncology: the study of cancer
oo- ------ egg
eg. oocyte: precursor of female gamete
ophthalmo- ------ eye
eg. ophthalmology: the study of the eyes and related diseases
orb- ------ circular
eg. orbicularis oculi: muscle that encircles the eye
orchi- ------ testis
eg. cryptorchidism: failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum
org- ------ living
eg. organism
ortho- ------ straight, direct
eg. orthopedic: correction of deformities of the musculoskeletal system
osm- ------ smell
eg. anosmia: loss of sense of smell
osmo- ------ pushing
eg. osmosis
osteo- ------ bone
eg. osteodermia: bony formation in the skin
oto- ------ ear
eg. otoscope: a device for examining the ear
ov-, ovi- ------ egg
eg. ovum, oviduct
oxy- ------ oxygen
eg. oxygenation: the saturation of a substance with oxygen
pan- ------ all, universal
eg. panacea: a cure-all
panpill- ------ nipple
eg. dermal papillae: projections of the dermis into the epidermal area
para- ------ beside, near
eg. paranuclear: beside the nucleus
pect-, pectus ------ breast
eg. pectoralis major: a large chest muscle
pelv- ------ a basin
eg. pelvic girdle: which cradles the pelvic organs
peni- ------ a tail
eg. penis; penile urethra
penna- ------ feather
eg. unipennate; bipennate muscles: whose fascicles have a feathered appearance
pent- ------ five
eg. pentose: a 5-carbon sugar
pep-, peps-, pept- ------ digest
eg. pepsin: a digestive enzyme of the stomach; peptic ulcer
per-, permea- ------ through
eg. permeate; permeable
peri- ------ around
eg. perianal: situtated around the anus
phago- ------ eat
eg. phagocyte: a cells that engulft and digests particles or cells
pheno- ------ show, appear
eg. phenotype: the physical appearance of an individual
phleb- ------ vein
eg. phlebitis: inflammation of the veins
pia ------ tender
eg. pia mater: delicate inner membrane around the brain and spinal cord
pili ------ hair
eg. arrector pili muscles of the skin, whic make the hairs stand erect
pin-, pino- ------ drink
eg. pinocytosis: the engulfing of small particles by a cell
platy- ------ flat, broad
eg. platysma: broad, flat muscle of the neck
pleur- ------ side, rib
eg. pleural serosa: the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs
plex-, plexus ------ net, network
eg. brachial plexus: the network of nerves that supplies the arm
pneumo- ------ air, wind
eg. pneumothorax: air in the thoracic cavity
pod- ------ foot
eg. podiatry: the treament of foot disorders
poly- ------ multiple
eg. polymorphism: multiple forms
post- ------ after, behind
eg. posterior: places behind (a specific) part
pre-, pro- ------ before, ahead of
eg. prenatal: before birth
procto- ------ rectum, anus
eg. proctoscope: an instrument for examining the rectum
pron- ------ bent forward
eg. prone; pronate
propri- ------ one's own
eg. proprioception: awareness of body parts and movement
pseudo- ------ false
eg. pseudotumor: a false tumor
psycho- ------ mind, psyche
eg. psycogram: a chart of personality traits
ptos- ------ fall
eg. renal ptosis: a condition in which the kidneys drift below their normal position
pub- ------ of the pubis
eg. puberty
pulmo- ------ lung
eg. pulmonary artery: which brings blood to the lungs
pyo- ------ pus
eg. pyocyst: a cyst that contains pus
pyro- ------ fire
eg. pyrogen: a substance that induces fever
quad-, quadr- ------ four-sided
eg. quadratus lumborum: a muscle with a square shape
re- ------ back, again
eg. reinfect
rect- ------ straight
eg. rectus abdominis; rectum
ren- ------ kidney
eg. renal, renin: an enzyme secreted by the kidney
retro- ------ backward, behind
eg. retrogression: to move backward in development
rheum- ------ watery flow, change, or flux
eg. rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatic fever
rhin-, rhino- ------ nose
eg. rhinitis: inflammation of the nose
ruga- ------ fold, wrinkle
eg. rugae: the folds of the stomach, gallbladder, and urinary bladder
sagitt- ------ arrow
eg. sagittal (directional term)
salta- ------ leap
eg. saltatory conduction: the rapid conduction of impulses along myelinated neurons
sanguin- ------ blood
eg. consaguineous: indicative of a genetic relationship between individuals
sarco- ------ flesh
eg. sarcomere: unit of contraction in skeletal muscle
saphen- ------ visible, clear
eg. great saphenous vein: superficial vein of the thigh and leg
sclero- ------ hard
eg. sclerodermatitis: inflammantory thickening and hardering of the skin
seb- ------ grease
eg. sebum: the oil of the skin
semen ------ seed, sperm
eg. semen: the discharge of the male reproductive system
semi- ------ half
eg. semicircular: having hte form of a half a circle
sens- ------ feeling
eg. sensation; sensory
septi- ------ rotten
eg. sepsis, infection, antiseptic
septum ------ fence
eg. nasal septum
sero- ------ serum
eg. serological tests: which assess blood conditions
serrat- ------ saw
eg. serratus anterior: a muscle of the chest wall that has a jagged edge
sin-, sino- ------ a hollow
eg. sinuses of the skull
soma- ------ body
eg. somatic nervous system
somn- ------ sleep
eg. insomnia: inability to sleep
sphin- ------ squeeze
eg. sphincter
splanchn- ------ organ
eg. splanchnic nerve: autonomic supply to abdominal viscera
spondyl- ------ vertebra
eg. ankylosing spondylitis: rheumatoid arthritis affecting the spine
squam- ------ scale, flat
eg. squamous epithelium; squamous suture of the skull
steno- ------ narrow
eg. stenocoriasis: narrowing of the pupil
strat- ------ layer
eg. strata of the epidermis: stratified epithelium
stria- ------ furrow, streak
eg. striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue
stroma ------ spread out
eg. stroma: the connective tissue framework of some organs
sub- ------ beneath, under
eg. sublingual: beneath the tongue
sucr- ------ sweet
eg. sucrose: table sugar
sudor- ------ sweat
eg. sudoriferous glands: the sweat glands
super- ------ above, upon
eg. superior: quality or state of being above others or a part.
supra- ------ above, upon
eg. supracondylar: above a condyle
sym-, syn- ------ together, with 
eg. synapse: the region of communication between two neurons
synerg- ------ work together
eg. synergism
systol- ------ contraction
eg. systole: contraction of the heart
tachy- ------ rapid
eg. tachycardia, abnormally rapid heartbeat
tact- ------ touch
eg. tactile sense
telo- ------ the end
eg. telophase: the end of mitosis
templ-, tempo- ------ time
eg. temporal summation of nerve impulses
tens- ------ stretched
eg. muscle tension
terti- ------ third
eg. fibularis tertius: one of three fibularis muscles
tetan- ------ rigid, tense
eg. tetanus of muscle
therm- ------ heat
eg. thermometer: an instrument used to measure heat
thromb- ------ clot
eg. thrombocyte; thrombus
thyro- ------ a shield
eg. thyroid gland
tissu- ------ woven
eg. tissue
tono- ------ tension
eg. tonicity; hypertonic
tox- ------ poison
eg. toxicology: the study of poisons
trab- ------ beam, timber
eg. trabeculae: spicules of bone in spongy bone tissue
trans- ------ across, through
eg. transpleural: through the pleura
trapez- ------ table
eg. trapzius: the four-side muscle of the upper back
tri- ------ three
eg. trifurcation: division into three branches
trop- ------ turn, change
eg. tropic hormones: whose targets are endocrine glands
troph- ------ nourish
eg. trophoblast, from which devleops the fetal portion of the placenta
tuber- ------ swelling
eb. tuberosity: a bump on a bone
tunic- ------ covering
eg. tunica albuginea: the covering of the testis
tympan- ------ drum
eg. tympanic membrane: the eardrum
ultra- ------ beyond
eg. ultraviolet radiation: beyond the band of visible light
vacc- ------ cow
eg. vaccine
vagin- ------ a sheath
eg. vagina
vagus ------ wanderer
eg. the vagus nerve: which starts at the brain and travels into the abdominopelvic cavity
valen- ------ strength
eg. valence shells of atoms
venter, ventr- ------ abdomen, belly
eg. ventral (direction term); ventricle
vent- ------ the wind
eg. pulmonary ventilation
vert- ------ turn
eg. vertebral column
vestibul- ------ a porch
eg. vestibule: the anterior entryway to the mouth and the nose
vibr- ------ shake, quiver
eg. vibrassae: hairs of the nasal vestibule
villus ------ shaggy hair
eg. microvilli: which have the appearance of hair in light microscopy
viscero- ------ organ, viscera
eg. visceroinhibitory: inhibiting the movement of the viscera
viscos- ------ sticky
eg. viscosity: resistance to flow
vita- ------ life
eg. vitamin
vitre- ------ glass
eg. vitreous humor: the clear jelly of the eye
viv- ------ live
eg. in vivo
vulv- ------ a covering
eg. vulva: the female external genitalia
zyg- ------ a yoke, twin
eg. zygote
-able ------ able to do, capable of
eg. viable: ability to live or exist
-ac ------ referring to
eg. cardiac: referring to the heart
-algia ------ pain in a certain part
eg. neuralgia: pain along the course of a nerve
-apsi ------ juncture
eg. synapse: where two neurons communicate
-ary ------ associated with, relating to
eg. coronary: associated with the heart
-asthen ------ weakness
eg. myasthenia gravis: a disease involving paralysis
-bryo ------ swollen
eg. embryo
-cide ------ destroy or kill
eg. germicide: an agent that kills germs
-cipit ------ head
eg. occipital
-clast ------ break
eg. osteoclast: a cell that dissolves bone matrix
-crine ------ separate
eg. endorine organs: which secrete hormones into the blood
-dips ------ thirst, dry
eg. polydispsia: excessive thirst associated with diabetes
-ectomy ------ cutting out, surgical removal
eg. appendectomy: cutting out of the appendix
-ell, -elle ------ small
eg. organelle
-emia ------ condition of the blood
eg. anemia: deficiency of red blood cells
-esthesi ------ sensation
eg. anesthesia: lack of sensation
-ferent ------ carry
eg. efferent nerves: nerves carrying impulses away from the CNS
-form, -forma ------ shape
eg. cribriform plate of the ethmoid plate
-fuge ------ driving out
eg. vermifuge: a substance that expels worms of the intestine
-gen ------ an agent that initiates
eg. pathogen: any agent that produces disease
-glea, -glia ------ glue
eg. neuroglia: the connective tissue of the nervous system
-gram ------ data that are systematically reocrded, a record
eg. electrocardiogram: a recording showing action of the heart
-graph ------ an instrument used for recording data or writing
eg. electrocardiograph: an instrument used to make an electrocardiogram
-ia ------ condition
eg. insomnia: condition of not being able to sleep
-iatrics ------ medical specialty
eg. geriatrics: the branch of medicine dealing with disease associated with old age
-ism ------ condition
eg. hyperthyroidism
-itis ------ inflammation
eg. gastritis: inflammation of the stomach
-lemma ------ sheath, husk
eg. sacolemma: the plasma membran of a muscle cell
-logy ------ the study of
eg. pathology: the study of changes in structure and function brought on by disease
-lysis ------ loosing or breaking down
eg. hydrolysis: chemical decomposition of a compound into other compounds as a result of taking up water
-malacia ------ soft
eg. osteomalacia: a process leading to bone softening
-mania ------ obsession, compulsion
eg. erotomania: exaggeration of the sexual passions
-nata ------ birth
eg. prenatal development
-nom ------ govern
eg. autonomic nervous system
-odyn ------ pain
eg. coccygodynia: pain in the regioin of the coccyx
-oid ------ like, resembling
eg. cuboid: shaped as a cube
-oma ------ tumor
eg. lymphoma: a tumor of the lymphatic tissue
-opia ------ defect of the eye
eg. myopia: nearsightedness
-ory ------ referring to, of
eg. auditory: referring to hearing
-pathy ------ disease
eg. osteophaty: any disease of the bone
-phasia ------ speech
eg. aphasia: lack of ability to speak
-phil,-philo ------ like, love
eg. hydrophilic: water-attracting molecules
-phobia ------ fear
eg. acrophobia: fear of heights
-phragm ------ partition
eg. diaphragm: which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities
-phylax ------ guard, preserve
eg. prophylaxix: to guard in advance, as in preventive treatment
-plas ------ grow
eg. neoplasia: an abnormal growth
-plasm ------ form, shape
eg. cytoplasm
-plasty ------ reconstruction of a part, plastic surgery
eg. rhinoplasty: reconstruction of the nose through surgery
-plegia ------ paralysis
eg. paraplegia: paralysis of the lower half of the body or lower limbs
-rrhagia ------ abnormal or excessive discharge
eg. metrorraghia: uterine hemorrhage
-rrhea ------ flow or discharge
eg. diarrhea: abnormal emptying of the bowels
-scope ------ instrument used for examination
eg. stethoscope: instrument used to listen to sounds of parts of the body
-some ------ body
eg. chromosome
-sorb ------ suck in
eg. absorb
-stalsis ------ arrest, fixation
eg. hemostatis: arrest of bleeding
-stitia ------ come to stand
eg. interstitial fluid: between the cells
-stomy ------ establishment of an artificial opening
eg. enterostomy: the formation of an artificial opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall
-tegm ------ cover
eg. integument
-tomy ------ to cut
eg. appendectomy: surgical removal of appendix
-trud ------ thrust
eg. protrude: detrusor muscle
-ty ------ condition of, state
eg. immunity: condition of being resistant to infection or disease
-uria ------ urine
eg. polyuria: passage of an excessive amount of urine
-zyme ------ ferment
eg. enzyme